Rangoli 43

Yagya Vatika 

The Rangoli patterns have names too. The same pattern may be called differently by different people. But some of the old ones have mostly the same name or similar names. 

Any way my granny used to call this pattern as Yagya Vatika or Yagya Kundam.

Yagya means sacrifice. This is performed by putting  certain specified things into the sacred fire depending on the reason for which it is performed. The offerings are usually ghee (clarified butter), flowers, herbs etc. This fire when burns these things has medicinal properties and cleanses the air, atmosphere. The bhasma or the ash that remains is also full of medicinal properties and is worn on the fore head or mixed in water and drunk.

Yagyas require Yagya Kundam or Yagya Kund or bins constructed with bricks, mud and plastered with cow dung. There are many designs of these bins. These have to be constructed very precisely according to the dimensions given in the sacred texts. How to construct, what materials to be used, what is the auspicious, time and place for such constructions, how to perform the Yagyas are all given in the sacred texts.

OK here is the Rangoli. There are many designs in this too. I am posting some here.

This is the first step. Simple designs. These are the basic ones. One can improve upon these as below.

This is the second level design. You can add as many outer rings as possible to make it big.

Here I have decorated the above design with lines and dots. This can further be expanded depending upon the space, creativity and time. Hope you like this simple design very easy to draw.

Some more in my next post. Keep a watch.....

Travels

I was away on one of my trips again. It was fun travelling but very strenuous. But I am happy that I could visit some very important temples. The climate was good, mostly cloudy, raining heavily sometimes but otherwise drizzling. This time too I could interact with some great people, improving my spiritual knowledge learning more about my culture and traditions.

I collected some very great Rangoli designs and also some great recipes. The thing is I need time to pen them properly and also write my posts. But will do at least some of them before I am off to another trip again. Phew but I cannot help it. I have to travel.

Here is a little glimpse.

Lush greenery all around due to heavy rains this year.

Its a feast for the eyes.

I have visited many temples. I will write about them in my other blog.

Today  our festival Dashara has started. Boy there was so much to do and much more left for me to finish while I am still at home. So much cleaning, sprucing up and what not. My garden too needs my attention. I have some new plants to be planted. I don't know when I am going to finish all these.

Any way keep a watch on my blogs for my Rangoli designs, travelogues and great recipes....

Rangoli-42

Rangoli Made Easy-1


Every woman in India especially South India knows how to draw Rangolis. Most of them may not be experts or able to draw fancy designs but still they do know the art. That is because we are taught as young as possible. those who are interested in  the art develop their skill, improve create and become experts. I have also had an immense interest in this art from since my child hood and created a lot of designs on my own. I keep on experimenting with different materials too. 

However whether we are very skilled or novices, there are some Rangoli aids which do help us for our daily use  or on special occasions. Especially when the design is very small or  intricate or has to be repeated, using these aids will make it easy for us. those who don't want to or cant draw designs can use these things.

Though I don't use these much still I collect them when I happen to see them. I am going to post some of them in my coming posts.

Here are the ones which are made of fibre. I don't remember where I picked them up. You know I keep travelling and visit many market places.The designs are made as pin pricked tiny holes. There were many sizes- small to big and different designs to choose from. I bought this size and these designs. All we have to do is fill it up with the Muggu (white powder) or coloured powders and gently tap in the required place. you can draw many in just a jiffy. 

This is a floral vine design.

This is one more

This is an intricate traditional design.

this is also traditional and reminds me of celtic designs.

This one is supposed to be feet of Goddess Lakshmi bringing in prosperity. these are specially put on Diwali outside our houses into the main doorway  towards our Pooja (prayer) room, as if she is entering our house bringing prosperity and wealth.

See how the designs look below.

See how easy it is.

Some more next time...